Topic 4: Macronutrients - Protein and Carbohydrates

Protein and Carbohydrates

In this article, we will continue our discussion with macronutrients, starting with protein and carbohydrates. Macronutrients are much larger molecules when compared to micronutrients, and they contain calories.  Above is an x-ray crystallography image (what a protein really looks like at the molecular level) of pyruvate carboxylase, a key regulatory enzyme in the gluconeogenesis pathway (the mechanism our body creates sugar/glucose in the absence of dietary sugar), pretty cool looking.

Proteins are complex molecules that perform multiple important roles. They are made up of long amino acid polymers or polypeptides (many amino acid molecules that are chained together) which constitute the basic structural unit of proteins.

Topic 3: Micronutrients - Vitamins and Minerals

Micronutrients

Ok, its time for topic # 3, and we can finally dive into the foundations of nutrition. In order for us to move forward we need to clarify some key terms and ideas. In this weeks article, we will cover micronutrients, what they are, why they are important, and practical applications of getting more in our body as naturally as possible.

Micronutrients are our vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals). These are nutrients necessary for normal human functioning but contain no calories or energy.

Recipe of the Week

So if any of you are familiar with Dr. Joel Fuhrman, he is a family practice doctor who specializes in nutritional medicine and is also a New York Times Best selling author, who happens to be someone's work I follow and a colleague I really admire. He is also telling people to try to get GBOMBS into their diet. It stands for Greens, Beans, Onions/Garlic, Mushrooms, Berries, and Seeds/Nuts.

Topic 2: Reduction, Oxidation, Free Radicals and Antioxidants

Have you ever wondered, just what the heck are "free radicals" or what are "antioxidants"? How does it affect me? If I take vitamins does that mean I am "safe"? This article is to discuss just this and to gain some practical understanding. Some of this is gonna get pretty "sciency" so bear with me and post any questions you have, and I will try my best to answer them. Here we go!

Recipe of the Week

The Antioxidant Explosion

16-20 oz Reverse Osmosis or Coconut Water

3-5 Bananas (ANDI 30)

1 Packet of Acai Berry Smoothie Pack (ANDI 150?)

5 oz Wild Blueberries (ANDI 132)

3 oz Blackberries (ANDI 150?)

 2 Tsp Raw Cacao Powder

1 Serving Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Protein Powder (Chocolate)

This smoothie not only is awesome tasting and filling but is packed with nutrition and antioxidants. The banana has a whopping 5 on the ORAC scale, while wild blueberry and blackberries come in at 61 and 51 respectively. Acai berries kick it up a notch with a score of 185, but the real superstar is the raw cacao powder which has a ORAC of 955! Antioxidants protect us from excess free radicals so load up!

Enjoy,

Dr. Peavler